Apparatus and method for assembling vehicle wheel

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel includes a workbench accommodating a wheel to which a first detector is mounted, an aligner that aligns a position of a coupling member, and a coupling unit that provides torque to the coupling member, the torque gradually being increased by the coupling unit until a second predetermined torque is achieved. The aligner has a first aligning part which includes a hydraulic pressure cylinder that pushes the wheel and a guider that guides the wheel, and a second aligning part which includes a rotating stage, a driving part, a second detector that detects the first detector, and a controller. A method for assembling a vehicle wheel includes loading the wheel on a workbench, aligning a position of the coupling member, gradually increasing torque of the coupling member, and monitoring whether the torque of the coupling member reaches the second predetermined torque.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0111311 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheel of a vehicle, and in particular, to an apparatus and a method for assembling a vehicle wheel that is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

(b) Description of the Related Art

In general, a vehicle includes four wheels, and a tire is disposed on an exterior circumference surface of each wheel. In addition, each of the wheels includes a sensor for detecting pressure and temperature of an inside of the tire. A TPMS notifies a driver of problems with the wheels after comparing a predetermined value to a value detected by such a sensor.

The sensor is conventionally assembled manually to the wheel as follows: A valve stem is screwed to the sensor. The valve stem includes a rubber for sealing. In addition, a screw thread is formed on the valve stem. The sensor is positioned to the exterior circumference surface of the wheel, and the rubber of the valve stem contacts the exterior circumference surface of the wheel. The screw thread of the valve stem, which is disposed at an interior surface of the wheel, is coupled to a nut.

However, this manual assembling method may have following problems: If the worker excessively tightens the nut, the rubber of the valve stem may be broken, and accordingly the air of the tire may leak through the broken portion of the valve stem. If the worker loosely tightens the nut, the rubber of the valve stem may not fully contact the exterior circumference surface of the wheel, and accordingly the air of the tire may leak. In addition, in a case that the worker tightens the nut with irregular force, the rubber of the valve stem may also be broken, and accordingly the air of the tire may leak through the broken portion of the valve stem.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in an effort to provide an apparatus and a method for assembling a vehicle wheel having advantages of assembling a vehicle wheel such that air of a tire does not leak.

An apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a workbench for accommodating a wheel to which a first detector is coupled at a first predetermined torque by a coupling member; an aligner which is disposed on the workbench and aligns a position of the coupling member; and a coupling unit which is disposed on the workbench and provides torque to the coupling member, and the torque is gradually increased by the coupling unit until a second predetermined torque is achieved.

The workbench includes a table for seating the wheel, a supporter which is mounted to a lower surface of the table and supports the table, and a vertical plate disposed on an upper surface of the table.

The first detector includes an inner sensor for sensing pressure and temperature of an inside of a tire; a screw for coupling the inner sensor to an exterior circumference surface of the wheel; and a valve stem of which a leading end thereof is positioned to the exterior circumference of the wheel and is coupled to the screw, of which a tailing end thereof is positioned to an interior circumference surface of the wheel, and of which a screw thread is formed at an exterior circumference surface thereof.

The coupling member is a nut that can be coupled to the screw thread of the valve stem.

The aligner includes a first aligning part which is disposed on the table and aligns a position of the wheel, and a second aligning part which is disposed on the table and aligns a position of the first detector.

The first aligning part includes a hydraulic pressure cylinder disposed on a first edge of the table so as to push the wheel which has been loaded on the table, and a guider disposed on a second edge of the table so as to guide the wheel to a first predetermined position of the table, and the second edge is opposed to the first edge.

The first aligning part further includes a roller mounted to an end portion of the hydraulic pressure cylinder.

The second aligning part includes a rotating stage that is rotatably disposed on the first predetermined position of the table, a driving part for rotating the rotating stage, a second detector which is disposed on the table and detects the first detector, and a controller for controlling the driving part according to a signal detected by the second detector so as to align a position of the first detector. The controller is disposed on a rear surface of the vertical plate.

The second detector includes a vertical member disposed on a second predetermined position of the table, a switch rotatably disposed on the vertical member and poisoned at a height of the first detector such that the first detector contacts therewith when the rotating stage rotates, and a proximity sensor which is disposed adjacent on the switch and transmits a signal to the controller when the inner sensor is in contact with the switch.

The coupling unit includes a body disposed on the vertical plate, and a nut runner disposed on an end of the body so as to couple the nut to the valve stem, wherein the nut runner provides the torque to the nut, and the torque is linearly increased by the nut runner until the second predetermined torque is achieved.

A method for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes loading a wheel on a workbench, the wheel having a first detector already coupled to a first predetermined torque by a coupling member; aligning a position of the coupling member; gradually increasing torque of the coupling member until a second predetermined torque is achieved; and monitoring whether the torque of the coupling member reaches the second predetermined torque.

The aligning of a position of the coupling member includes pushing the wheel loaded on the workbench using a hydraulic pressure cylinder; guiding the pushed wheel to a rotating stage using a guider; rotating the guided wheel using a driving part; determining whether the first detector already coupled to the wheel is detected by a second detector while the wheel is being rotated by the driving part; and rotating the wheel at a predetermined angle such that the coupling member is aligned to the coupling unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a state in which a first detector is coupled to a wheel by a coupling member at a first predetermined torque, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which a wheel is disposed on a table, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 shows a state in which a wheel is aligned to a rotating stage, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a wheel rotates, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which a first detector of a wheel is detected by a second detector, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which a wheel rotates at a predetermined angle, in an apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

An apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, includes a workbench 100, an aligner 300, and a coupling unit 500.

The workbench 100 accommodates a,wheel 10 to which a first detector 700 is coupled by a coupling member 900 at a first predetermined torque. The aligner 300 is disposed on the workbench 100 and aligns a position of the coupling member 900. The coupling unit 500 is disposed on the workbench 100 and provides torque to the coupling member 900 until the torque reaches a second predetermined torque with a gradual increase.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, the workbench 100 will be described in detail.

The workbench 100 may include a table 110, a supporter 130, and a vertical plate 150. The table 10 is where the wheel 10 is seated. The supporter 130 is mounted to a lower surface of the table 110 and supports the table 110. The vertical plate 150 is vertically disposed on an upper surface of the table 110.

With reference to FIG. 2, the first detector 700 and the coupling member 900 will be hereinafter described in detail.

The first detector 700 may include an inner sensor 710, a screw 730, and a valve stem 750. The inner sensor 710 senses pressure and temperature of an inside of a tire (not shown). The screw 730 is employed so as to couple the inner sensor 710 to an exterior circumference surface of the wheel 10. A leading end of the valve stem 750 is positioned to the exterior circumference of the wheel 10 and is coupled to the screw 730, a tailing end of the valve stem 750 is positioned to an interior circumference surface of the wheel 10, and a screw thread is formed at an exterior circumference surface of the valve stem 750.

Here, the valve stem 750 includes a head 751 having the leading end, a first body 753 having the tailing end, and a rubber 755 for sealing, which is mounted between the head 751 and the first body 753. In addition, the screw 730 and the valve stem 750 have a hollow shape (not shown), and air is injected into the tire therethrough. Further, the coupling member 900 may be a nut so as to be coupled to the screw thread of the valve stem 750.

Therefore, the screw 730 is inserted into a penetration hole 711 formed at the inner sensor 710, and is coupled to the head 751 of the valve stem 750. Thereafter, the coupling member 900 is coupled to the screw thread of the valve stem 750 at the first predetermined torque. Here, the first predetermined torque may be a value such that the rubber 755 of the valve stem 750 is not broken by the coupling member 900 and the exterior circumference surface of the wheel 10. A wheel 10 to which the first detector 700 is coupled is loaded on the table 110.

With reference to FIG. 1, the aligner 300 will hereinafter be described in detail.

The aligner 300 may include a first aligning part 1300 and a second aligning part 2300. The first aligning part 1300 is disposed on the table 110, and is used to align a position of the wheel 10. The second aligning part 2300 is disposed on the table 110, and is used to align a position of the first detector 700.

Furthermore, such a first aligning part 1300 may include a hydraulic pressure cylinder 1310 and a guider 1330.

In more detail, the hydraulic pressure cylinder 1310 is disposed on a first edge of the table 110 so as to push the wheel 10 loaded on the table 110. The guider 1330 is disposed on a second edge of the table 110 so as to guide the pushed wheel 10 to a first predetermined position of the table 110, and the second edge is opposed to the first edge.

Furthermore, such a first aligning part 1300 may further include a roller 1350 mounted to an end portion of the hydraulic pressure cylinder 1310, and such a roller 1350 protects the wheel 10.

In addition, the second aligning part 2300 may include a rotating stage 2310, a driving part 2330, a second detector 2350, and a controller 2370. The controller 2370 may comprise a processor, memory, and associated hardware, software and/or firmware as may be selected and programmed by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of the present invention.

In more detail, the rotating stage 2310 is rotatably disposed on the first predetermined position of the table 110.

An end of the driving part 2330 is disposed on the table 110 and another end of the driving part 2330 is disposed on the rotating stage 2310, and such a driving part 2330 rotates the rotating stage 2310.

The second detector 2350 is disposed on the table 110 and detects the first detector 700. In more detail, the second detector 2350 detects the inner sensor 710. The second detector 2350 will hereinafter be described in detail.

The second detector 2350 may include a vertical member 2351, a switch 2353, and a proximity sensor 2355. The vertical member 2351 is disposed on a second predetermined position of the table 110. The switch 2353 is rotatably disposed on the vertical member 2351, and is positioned at a height of the inner sensor 710 such that the inner sensor 710 contacts therewith when the rotating stage 2310 rotates. The proximity sensor 2355 is disposed adjacent on the switch 2353 and transmits a signal to the controller 2370 when the inner sensor 710 contacts the switch 2353.

The controller 2370 controls the driving part 2330 according to a signal detected by the second detector 2350 so as to align a position of the first detector 700. In more detail, the controller 2370 aligns a position of the coupling member 900 by controlling the driving part 2330. Such a controller 2370 is disposed on a rear surface of the vertical plate 150.

With reference to FIG. 1, the coupling unit 500 will hereinafter be described in detail.

The coupling unit 500 may include a second body 510 and a nut runner 530.

The second body 510 is disposed on the vertical plate 150, and can move front/rear or up/down by at least one pivoting portion.

The nut runner 530 is disposed on an end of the second body 510 so as to couple the coupling member 900 to the valve stem 750. In particular, the nut runner 530 provides the torque to the coupling member 900, and the torque is linearly increased by the nut runner 530 until the second predetermined torque is achieved. The torque is linearly increased to ensure that the rubber 755 of the valve stem 750 is not broken. In addition, the second predetermined torque may be a value such that the rubber 755 of the valve stem 750 is not broken by the coupling member 900 and the exterior circumference surface of the wheel 10, and such that the penetration hole of the wheel 10 is sealed by the rubber 755. The value may be determined by experimentation.

A method for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.

First, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, at step S11, the wheel 10 to which a first detector 700 is already coupled at a first predetermined torque by a coupling member 900 is provided. At step S13, the wheel 10 is loaded on the workbench 100.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the position of the coupling member 900 is aligned. An aligning process will hereinafter be described in detail.

First, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, at step S15, the wheel 10 loaded on the workbench 100 is pushed by the hydraulic pressure cylinder 1310.

Second, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, at step S17, the pushed wheel 10 is guided to the rotating stage 2310 by the guider 1330.

Third, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, at step S19, the guided wheel 10 is rotated by the driving part 2330.

Fourth, as shown in FIG. 9, at step S21, the controller 2370 determines whether the first detector 700 already coupled to the wheel 10 is detected by a second detector 2350 while the wheel 10 is being rotated by the driving part 2330.

Fifth, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, if the first detector 700 is detected by the second detector 2350, as shown in FIG. 8, at step S23, the wheel 10 is rotated by the driving part 2330 at a predetermined angle (θ) such that the coupling member 900 is aligned to the coupling unit 500.

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, at step S25, the torque of the coupling member 900 is linearly increased by the nut runner 530 until the second predetermined torque is achieved.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 9, at step S27, the torque of the coupling member 900 is monitored as to whether it reaches the second predetermined torque.

As has been explained, an apparatus and a method for assembling a vehicle wheel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have the following advantages.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a coupling member can be automatically coupled to a first detector. Consequently, since the coupling member is automatically coupled to the first detector, the torque of the coupling member can be linearly increased to a predetermined torque. As a result, since the rubber is not broken, the penetration hole of the wheel can be accurately sealed by the rubber.

While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for assembling a vehicle wheel, comprising: a workbench that accommodates a wheel to which a first detector is coupled at a first predetermined torque by a coupling member; an aligner that is disposed on the workbench and that aligns a position of the coupling member; and a coupling unit that is disposed on the workbench and that provides a torque to the coupling member, wherein the torque is gradually increased by the coupling unit until a second predetermined torque is achieved.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the workbench comprises: a table on which the wheel is seated; a supporter that is mounted to a lower surface of the table and supports the table; and a vertical plate disposed on an upper surface of the table.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first detector comprises: an inner sensor that senses a pressure and a temperature of an inside of a tire; a screw that couples the inner sensor to an exterior circumference surface of the wheel; and a valve stem of which a leading end is positioned at the exterior circumference of the wheel and is coupled to the screw, a tailing end is positioned at an interior circumference surface of the wheel, and a screw thread is formed on an exterior circumference surface.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the coupling member is a nut that can be coupled to the screw thread of the valve stem.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the aligner comprises: a first aligning part that is disposed on the table and aligns a position of the wheel; and a second aligning part that is disposed on the table and aligns a position of the first detector.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first aligning part comprises: a hydraulic pressure cylinder disposed on a first edge of the table so as to push the wheel which has been loaded on the table; and a guider disposed on a second edge of the table so as to guide the wheel to a first predetermined position on the table.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first aligning part further comprises a roller mounted to an end portion of the hydraulic pressure cylinder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second aligning part comprises: a rotating stage rotatably disposed on a first predetermined position on the table; a driving part that rotates the rotating stage; a second detector that is disposed on the table and that detects the first detector; and a controller that controls the driving part according to a signal detected by the second detector so as to align a position of the first detector.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the controller is disposed on a rear surface of the vertical plate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second detector comprises: a vertical member disposed on a second predetermined position on the table; a switch rotatably disposed on the vertical member, and positioned at a height of the first detector such that the first detector contacts therewith when the rotating stage rotates; and a proximity sensor that is disposed adjacent to the switch and that transmits a signal to the controller when the inner sensor is in contact with the switch.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first detector comprises: an inner sensor that senses a pressure and a temperature of an inside of a tire; a screw that couples the inner sensor to an exterior circumference surface of the wheel; and a valve stem of which a leading end is positioned at the exterior circumference of the wheel and is coupled to the screw, a tailing end is positioned at an interior circumference surface of the wheel, and a screw thread is formed on an exterior circumference surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the coupling member is a nut that can be coupled to the screw thread of the valve stem.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the coupling unit comprises: a body disposed on the vertical plate; and a nut runner disposed on an end of the body so as to couple the nut to the valve stem, wherein the nut runner provides the torque to the nut, and the torque is linearly increased by the nut runner until the second predetermined torque is achieved.
 14. A method for assembling a vehicle wheel, comprising: loading a wheel to which a first detector is coupled at a first predetermined torque by a coupling member onto a workbench; aligning a position of the coupling member; gradually increasing a torque of the coupling member until a second predetermined torque is achieved; and monitoring whether the torque of the coupling member reaches the second predetermined torque.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the aligning of a position of the coupling member comprises: pushing the wheel using a hydraulic pressure cylinder; guiding the wheel to a rotating stage using a guider; rotating the wheel using a driving part; determining whether the first detector is detected by a second detector while the wheel is being rotated by the driving part; and rotating the wheel at a predetermined angle such that the coupling member is aligned to a coupling unit. 